Harlem community unites to stop gun violence through basketball tournament

HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- The fight against gun violence unfolded on the court of St. Nicholas Park in Harlem Saturday as the neighborhood came together for a basketball tournament.

At the annual Stop the Gun Violence basketball tournament, local teens, community leaders, and the NYPD were united to steer the youth away from the dangers of the streets. It was a day of sportsmanship and solidarity organized to provide a positive outlet for the youth. Chaplain Robert Rice, who works closely with the NYPD, hopes to use his past as an inspiration of hope.

"I made mistakes -- not listening to mama, those type of mistakes," Rice said. "Trying to hang out with the wrong crowd." The chaplain added, "Now I'm serving the kids that I see in the community to not pick up a gun and finish school."

Rice spoke to the players on the court, praying with them and emphasizing the critical role the community plays in keeping neighborhoods gun violence-free.

"We got to stop the senseless shooting that's going on in our city," said Rice. "When is enough going to be enough?"

Amid the swish of basketball nets, teens Archie Oliver and Arhan Vora faced off on the court. The two highlighted the need f...